COLA
More Perspective on the 2026 2.8% COLA
Yes, the 2026 adjustment is more than last year’s increase and, yes, it represents the fifth consecutive year of at least a 2.5 percent increase, something that hasn’t happened in about three decades. But all that aside, how does the 2026…
Re-thinking the COLA Process
Two recent posts in the Social Security section of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) daily Newsline service provided readers with a recap of Social Security’s 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The articles explained the process for determining the adjustment, and both included…
Social Security: A 2025 Financial Picture
Social Security is America’s most important retirement program, providing financial assistance in retirement for over 70 million Americans. Indeed, about half of all those receiving Social Security benefits say that it is a “major” source of their retirement income. And,…
2026 Social Security – Changes You Should Know
Social Security is an ever-evolving program, with certain changes automatically implemented every year. These changes are automatic and generally are based upon several government measurements, such as the Consumer Price Index and the Average National Wage Index, among others. Most…
Don’t Spend that extra SS money yet – Medicare will cut into your COLA increase!
In an announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we were told that the new cost of our Medicare Part B coverage for 2026 would be $202.90, instead of the $185 per month we paid in 2025.…
2026 COLA: When will we see it?
The government just recently released the 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) percentage which those eligible for Social Security can expect next year. But some confusion always exists about when we will actually see our Social Security increase. Well, the…
Examining Three Key Social Security Reform Ideas
As the clock continues to wind down toward the full depletion of Social Security’s financial reserves, interest is growing in discussions about the inevitability of structural changes to avert insolvency. Recent controversy surrounding the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is evidence…
Will you lose all your COLA increase to Medicare?
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment. This announcement means that, on average, the monthly Social Security benefit will increase by $56. However, many people are awaiting the announcement of the Medicare Part B…
Should we change how COLA is calculate?
Social Security recipients will receive their 2.8 percent COLA increase in January; however, with the annual inflation rate of 3 percent, seniors are struggling to keep up with rising prices. Not only are seniors dissatisfied with the meager amount, but…
Do this by Nov. 19
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) amount for 2026. Social Security recipients will see the 2.8 percent increase in their January check. However, if you cannot wait until that day, you need to…